Run for the Roses at Four Seasons

Mint Julep

Time to dust off the Derby hat and get the seersucker suit out of storage, Kentucky Derby Day is back at Four Seasons Hotel Austin.

Taking place May 6, 2017 starting at 2:00 pm, the event invites revelers to watch the race in the Lobby Lounge while enjoying festive food, delicious drinks and activities ranging from costume contests and giveaways to a Derby hat pop-up shop.

Contests, Prizes and Pop-up Shops

Throughout the afternoon, attendees will be able to take part in trivia and contests, including the always-popular Best Seersucker Suit and Best Hat awards. Given to the male and female dressed with the most Derby spirit, the contest winners will take home a sterling silver mint julep cup, which can be brought to the Lobby Lounge for a complimentary cocktail once a month until next year’s race.

Hatbox on Congress

New this year, procrastinators who really want to dress to impress will be able to buy high-quality fascinators, picture-hats, panamas and other fashionable headwear at a Hatbox pop-up shop from 2:00 to 6:00 pm. Austin’s premiere haberdashery for 37 years, Hatbox will have a variety of authentic, one-of-a-kind hats – many sourced directly from the United Kingdom – available for purchase, as well as offer complimentary custom hat fittings throughout the event.

While all are encouraged to dress up, even those in everyday attire will be able to get in on the betting action with the Trifecta Contest. One betting chit is included with the cost of entry, giving attendees the chance to win valuable prizes such as a luxurious stay at Four Seasons Hotel Austin, a gift certificate to Hatbox and more.

Festive Food and Drink

Besides a build-your-own Mint Julep Bar, the Lobby Lounge will feature several signature drinks including a Blackberry-Basil Julep ($14) – made with Maker’s Mark bourbon, blackberries and housemade blackberry-basil syrup – and a Kentucky Mule ($14), a riff on the Moscow Mule with bourbon, lime, ginger beer and mint.

The day’s food specials will also pay homage to the unique tastes of the bluegrass state. Heartier eaters will want to order the Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich with smoked turkey and house-smoked bacon topped with cream gravy. For lighter appetites and more refined tastes, tea sandwiches will also be available.

Admission to the event is $20 per person, with all proceeds benefiting Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas. Seating is first-come, first-served so those interested in attending are encouraged to arrive early as last year’s event filled up. For more information, please send us an email.